The Medevac program has enabled the evacuation of critically injured Ukrainians to hospitals across Europe, with approximately 5,000 patients transported to 22 countries to date.
According to officials, the Medevac initiative allows for the transfer of patients needing specialized treatment to facilities equipped to provide such care. “As of today, we have successfully evacuated around 5,000 severely injured patients from Ukraine to 22 countries,” stated a representative involved in the program.
The European Union collaborates closely with Ukrainian authorities and hospitals to identify patients requiring specific treatments. After assessing the needs, they reach out to member states to determine available resources.
For instance, Belgium has established a reputation for treating patients with severe burns, and a military hospital in Brussels specializes in this area. The representative noted, “I have personally visited some of the injured soldiers there.”
Eligibility for the program is contingent upon the type of treatment required, as well as the location of the hospital and transportation capabilities.
“We receive requests from hospitals that currently lack the capacity to provide the necessary care. They inquire whether we have options available in one of our member states or participating countries. There are not only 27 EU member states but also 10 participating countries outside the European Union. After receiving a proposal, we can arrange for patient transport,” the official explained.
Ukrainians in need of urgent or planned medical assistance abroad can apply for evacuation, which is provided at no cost to them, funded by the host countries.
Application Process:
- The application to participate in the program must be initiated by the treating physician with the patient’s or their legal representatives’ consent. Eligibility criteria can be reviewed on the program’s official website.
- The Ministry of Health of Ukraine formulates a request through a specialized electronic system.
- The request is then reviewed by EU countries, which consult with clinics and make decisions regarding patient acceptance.
- Transportation is coordinated by regional emergency medical teams and disaster medicine units, and within the EU, by the receiving countries’ teams.
The Medevac program has successfully evacuated around 5,000 critically injured Ukrainians to various European hospitals. This initiative involves collaboration between the EU and Ukrainian authorities to ensure patients receive specialized medical care abroad.